Phajoding Monastery: A Serene Retreat in the Himalayas
Discover spiritual tranquility and breathtaking views at Phajoding Monastery, a hidden gem in the heart of Bhutan’s majestic Himalayas.
Nestled in the breathtaking hills of Bhutan, Phajoding Monastery offers travelers a unique blend of spiritual tranquility and stunning nature. This sacred site invites visitors to explore its rich Buddhist heritage while soaking in panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas.
A brief summary to Phajoding Monastery ཕ་ཇོ་ལྡིང་།
- FHQF+MRM, Phajoding-Pumola Trail, Phajoding, BT
- Monday 9 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
- Thursday 9 am-3 pm
- Friday 9 am-3 pm
- Saturday 9 am-3 pm
- Sunday 9 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunrise views.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the trails leading to the monastery can be steep and rocky.
- Bring a water bottle and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly and observing silence within the temple.
- Engage with the resident monks to learn more about their practices and the history of the monastery.
Getting There
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Foot
From the center of Thimphu, head towards the main street (Norzin Lam) and walk towards the clock tower. Continue straight until you reach the junction at Wangchu River. Cross the river via the bridge and take the road that leads towards the Tashichho Dzong. Follow the signs for Phajoding. After about 30 minutes of walking, you will reach the base of the Phajoding-Pumola Trail. From there, take the trail uphill, which will lead you directly to Phajoding Monastery.
-
Foot
If you are near the National Memorial Chorten, start from there and head towards the Thimphu market. Once you reach the market area, continue straight until you find the road leading to the Tashichho Dzong area. Follow the pathway that leads northward, where you will see signs for Phajoding. The hike will take approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on your pace.
-
Foot
From the Buddha Dordenma statue, begin your journey by walking back down towards the city center. Head towards the main road and continue past the National Library. Look for the signs that lead to Phajoding Monastery. You will need to take a left onto the Phajoding-Pumola Trail, which will take you directly to the monastery. This route is scenic and should take about 1.5 hours of steady hiking.
Discover more about Phajoding Monastery ཕ་ཇོ་ལྡིང་།
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